CHAPTER 480: CHAPTER 246: AN UNINVITED GUEST

Mrs. Wang provided Shi Lian with two servant rooms and four companion maids for her dowry. After discussing with his wife, Shi Lian’s husband decided to keep one servant family at home to help manage the dowry properties and took the four companion maids and the other servant family to the capital.

Except for Cai Yun, those three companion maids were all eager and ready to try, and had already considered themselves as part of the son-in-law’s family deep inside. Seeing Sang Yufei handsome and having achieved the title of the top examiner, they admired him even more. They thought themselves quite insightful due to their decent origins. Although the son-in-law now has unlimited limelight, he comes from the rural areas; how could he have seen any beautiful women before? Thus, they were full of confidence, and whenever in front of Sang Yufei, they couldn’t help but pose and flirt, showing off their charms in a thousand ways. Shi Lian just watched coolly from the side, pretending not to see, while Cai Yun was so mad that she cursed behind their backs. Sang Yufei sneered secretly; he was not Ren Zhixian, why would he be bewitched by seeing a companion maid? In his heart, he disliked them even more than Shi Lian did.

The couple had secretly agreed beforehand that they would sell these three on the way to the capital, to avoid any troubles they might cause once they arrived in the capital.

On the day of departure, Sang Yufei and Shi Lian bid farewell to Sang Hong and his wife. Thinking that it would be at least two to three years before they saw each other again, Sang Hong’s eyes couldn’t help but moisten, and he felt very mixed emotions; both proud and joyful yet also sorrowful and reluctant to let go.

"Don’t forget to send letters once you settle down there, so we won’t worry too much! Living expenses in the capital are high. If you’re short on silver, just write to us. Although our family is not extremely rich, thanks to your blessing it’s fairly well-off now. We can still support you a bit," said Sang Hong, patting his younger brother’s shoulder. Sang Yufei quickly responded with a respectful bow.

Mrs. Fang was fond of Shi Lian’s gentle, courteous, and sensible nature. Although they had only spent a few days together, she already felt reluctant to part ways, and holding her hand with a smile, said: "We will take good care of the lands and properties at home, and also those dowries you haven’t taken with you. I will tidy them up and lock them away properly, guaranteeing they are secure! I’ve heard that prices are high in the capital, and people can be influential. Don’t live too frugally. I calculated yesterday; our family’s fields and businesses can generate about 800 taels a year, which should be enough for you to live comfortably there!"

Shi Lian felt warmed by her heart, though she was not the favored daughter at home and never really cared much for 800 taels of silver, but Mrs. Fang was willing to give them all the earnings of one year, and this intention was worth more than gold.

"Sister-in-law, you and brother, along with Xiaoquan and Xiaonuan, also need to live a bit better at home, so we can be at ease! We have brought quite a bit of money to the capital, and given that my husband also has his salary, we will not be too strapped for cash. Don’t worry!" Shi Lian said with a smile.

However, Sang Hong sighed, "But much of the money you took is your dowry, try not to use it if possible! Keep it for yourself."

Shi Lian quickly responded with a laugh, "Brother, you’re being too formal! My husband and I do not have such distinctions. When my husband gets promoted and gets an increased salary, he can repay me then!"

The remark made everyone burst into laughter.

"Don’t worry, brother, I know what I’m doing!" Sang Yufei also said with a smile. He was not a pedantic person; if it became necessary to use the money and there was no other alternative, using his wife’s money was not inappropriate. As she said, he could repay her in the future. As husband and wife, they should share both joys and sorrows.

Seeing that it was getting late, Sang Hong, worried about delaying their journey, urged them to set off. Sang Yufei and Shi Lian bade farewell several times before boarding the carriage and leaving.

Upon reaching Qingzhou City, they indeed arrived at the Shi Mansion. After staying there for three days, Sang Yufei and Shi Fenghua had a thorough discussion, visited Governor Hong’s residence, and then set off for the capital by boat arranged by Shi Fengju.

After meeting Sang Yufei, Governor Hong highly praised his abilities and character and, knowing the strong financial support of the Shi family, was sure that Sang Yufei would thrive in the capital. After a year or two in the Hanlin Academy, entering either the Ministry of Personnel or the Ministry of Revenue wouldn’t be an issue. Thus, he secretly resolved to take good care of the Shi family, which would also allow him to return their favor in the future. Hence, when he unintentionally heard his incompetent son muttering that Sang Yufei’s wife was his own rejected aunty, he became furious, ignoring his wife’s pleas and severely punished his son with a beating.

A few days after leaving the Shi Mansion, one morning, an unexpected visitor came to the Shi Mansion.

This person was dressed in a brand-new azure silk round collar gown and pink-soled boots, and had his hair tied with a jade hairpin. From behind, he appeared to be an affluent gentleman. However, from the front, he was a disappointment. The man was nearly fifty, with puffy eyes, high cheekbones, yellowish skin with wrinkles, thin lips with a small mustache, and a face that bore a cautious, ingratiating smile, clearly lacking any real status or confidence.